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My cat has a swollen hole with pus near her tail. Is it an abscess?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 10 lbs

My cat has what looks like a small hole in her back near the base of her tail it was swollen with puss which came out rather easily and liquidy it then went from puss to blood, the swelling has reduced.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 13th, 2017

It looks like Izzy has an abscess. In that location it is usually due to a bite from another cat. It is actually good that it burst open. It may heal now if you keep it clean (1:10 dilution of Betadine solution to water) and apply Neosporin ointment to it. However, often times once it seals closed the infection will return. More often that not cats need antibiotics to get these to heal completely.

So, my suggestion would be to get her to your vet for an exam and some antibiotics. If you want to try to keep it clean and treat it at home you can try that but if it appears to heal and then comes back she will need to see your vet.

Hope this helps. Best wishes!

14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 5th, 2017
The main thing here is that the pus was drained from the abscess at your veterinarians clinic. Once the infected material is flushed out, there can still be fluid accumulating at the site of the abscess. You can apply a warm water washcloth to the area to keep it clean. I would just dab the area and not "scrub" to keep it clean. If it becomes as swollen as it was prior to your veterinarian's treatment, I would take him back in and have it looked at. I am hoping he was placed on antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory as both these will help in the healing period. Keep the cone on until this heals fully as well. Please feel free to contact me with any questions / concerns you may have.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on June 23rd, 2018
That is a very nasty abscess! These are extremely common in cat fights and bites as cats can carry a lot of saliva that cause infection under the skin. It would be best to seek care as soon as you can as they usually require drainage and thorough cleaning under sedation from a vet, as well as a course of antibiotics to help it heal.

You will also want to keep Chuckles from licking or chewing at it with the use of an Elizabethan (cone) collar. If he'll let you, wiping any debris away with a clean washcloth can help, however if it is that badly swollen and painful already, seeking vet care ASAP is needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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